The proposed residential development on the former Ravenswood Resort property in Montague has grown in size, increasing from 6.5 acres and 29 homes to 8.4 acres and 32 homes since it was first unveiled publicly last month.

The input from the community also increased as more than 40 people - many with questions and concerns - turned out Monday night for the public hearing on the proposed $16 million, White Lake shoreline development during the special planning commission meeting. A public hearing is required for the special-use permit the development team needs for the planned unit development.

Planning commissioners took no action and asked a few questions, but mainly listened to the comments made by about 20 residents, including eight via letter, and the developers. The planning commission could take action on the request for a special-use permit at its Dec. 10 meeting.

The top concern raised by residents, many of whom live near the proposed development at 7610 Old Channel Trail and 5145 Columbia Avenue, was density. They spoke of the increased traffic, alleged negative impact to White Lake, grating needed for the proposal and other issues.

Jennifer Koetje, who lives adjacent to the site, questioned the increase in personal water craft on the lake, potential use of the cottages by owners' family members and safety of children with more traffic in that area.

"The housing development is too big for that area of the community," Koetje said.

Tom Thompson, a Fruitland Township resident and planning commissioner, cautioned Montague planning commissioners that PUD can also stand for "Planned Unit Disaster." He said he was concerned with the density of the proposal, citing the 40-foot-wide lots, 8-foot-deep front yards and the storm-water runoff into White Lake.

"It is not a good situation," Thompson said. "I even question whether people will pay those prices. I think they will want more lot."

John Green, a property owner near the site and a developer in Grand Rapids, said the proposal is a high-quality project and asked the community to give the developers a fair shot.

"The plan they have is unique," Green said. "At the end of the day, they are saying to the community that this is better than a site filled with duplexes."

The site between Old Channel Trail and White Lake, southwest of Columbia Avenue, is zoned to allow duplexes as a special use. The former resort's four lakefront cabins were razed in 2005.

If eventually approved and built, the development would feature a football field-size green space, a swimming pool, a 28-slip marina, a large storage shed near the beach and homes with porches and high-pitched roofs. Prices of the combined homes and lots are expected to range from $350,000 to $695,000.

Wayne Visbeen, architect and one of the developers in the project, said his group is not looking to make a fast buck and leave by selling off lots, but is investing in the community with the neighborhood-style development.

"What we're trying to represent is the homes in the historic districts of Montague and Whitehall," Visbeen said of the Victorian-style homes.

The development team - Visbeen, Mike Summers, Mike Timmer and Gordy Bruinsma - need the special-use permit and final site plan approval before construction can begin. Summers owns the property and has lived on the site since 2000.

City council approval also will be needed during the process.

Mayor Henry Roesler Jr., who also sits on the planning commission, said he expects city staff, the city's consultant and the developers to work through the issues.

"We continue on and work through the questions that have been raised," Roesler said.